Mapping Permafrost Under the Linear Disturbance with Ground-Penetrating Radar

Michael Braverman, William L Quinton

In the proceedings of: GeoMontréal 2013: 66th Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 11th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions I

ABSTRACT: In the new reality of the climate warming one of the most vulnerable areas is the south margin of the discontinuous permafrost region. Any ground surface disturbance in this area causes rapid permafrost degradation and in some cases its complete disappearance. Linear disturbances such as winter roads or seismic lines can change hydrological regimes and redirect surface as well as near surface ground water flow, causing drainage of lakes, bogs and other natural water reservoirs and thereby expanding the runoff contributing area of watersheds. The depth to the permafrost table is an important parameter for hydrological modeling. The purpose of this paper is to investigate innovative techniques for measuring the active layer of permafrost and thaw depth, to monitor impacts related to linear surface disturbances. This study is the first part of a broader research project on permafrost degradation in the seismic lines in the region of discontinuous permafrost. It concentrates on the field program of the research, and it is done with cooperation with the Centre for Cold Regions & Water Science, Wilfrid Laurier University. Geophysical investigations were conducted in the Scotty Creek research basin (at 61.310677N and 121.309181W), approximately 60 km SE from Fort Simpson NT. Use of thaw probes is the traditional approach to measure the thickness of the active layer and thaw depth. However if the permafrost is deeper than 2 m this method becomes unreliable. Another disadvantage of using thaw probes is that they yield only point measurements. Geophysical methods can be effective in resolving these problems. Ground Penetrating Radar was tested in order to detect the thickness of the active layer, and underlying talik. The thickness of organic material and lower boundary of permafrost were identified as well.

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